JP2003111724A - Connector structure to be used for electronic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector structure which is to be used for an electronic endoscope and with which places breeding bacteria can be eliminated as much as possible in its connection part and the inside of the connection part of the connector part can completely be sealed from antispetic during washing the electronic endoscope. SOLUTION: The connector structure connecting the electronic endoscope 10 with an external device consists of a first connection part 40 on the side of the electronic endoscope and a second connection part 42 on the side of the external device. On the connection end faces of both of them, electric contact elements (82 and 84) arranged in the relation of a mirror image with each other are arranged. Guide means (64, 100, 102 and 104) cooperating with each other are provided at the first and second connection parts. When rotating both of the connection parts, both of the connection parts are connected with each other by the guide means and the electric contact elements of both of them are brought into electrical contact with each other. Then, the electrical contact area is sealed by a seal element 106.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a connector used in an electronic endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, an electronic endoscope is constructed as an electronic scope provided with an appropriate image pickup means, and as the image pickup means, a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD (charge-coupled decoupler) is used.
(vice) A CCD image sensor including an image sensor is generally used. The electronic endoscope includes an operation section having a rigid structure and a flexible body insertion section integrated with the operation section. The operation section of the electronic endoscope is provided with a manual handle and various switches for remotely controlling the movement of the tip of the body insertion section, and a CCD image sensor is provided on the tip side of the body insertion section.

An imaging lens is provided on the distal end surface of the body insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, and this imaging lens is combined with a CCD image sensor. The CCD image sensor is connected to an external device via a CCD drive signal line and an image signal line extending inside the electronic endoscope. Further, in order to illuminate the front of the tip of the body insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, an illumination light distribution lens is also provided on the tip surface of the body insertion portion, and this illumination light distribution lens is inserted into the electronic endoscope. It is optically connected to an external light source via the bundle of optical fibers. In short, in order to make the body insertion part of the electronic endoscope as thin as possible, only the minimum components for obtaining an endoscopic image are provided on the body insertion part side, and the other components are electronic. It is arranged on the operation part of the endoscope or outside.

When the electronic endoscope is used, the subject inside the body is illuminated by the illumination light emitted from the illumination light distribution lens, and the illuminated subject is formed as an endoscope image on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor through the imaging lens. The endoscopic image is photoelectrically converted into an image signal for one frame. The above-mentioned external device is provided with a CCD drive circuit for driving the CCD image sensor, and a video signal read signal is output from the CCD drive circuit to the CCD image sensor through the CCD drive signal line, whereby one frame worth of image is read. The image signal is sequentially read from the CCD image sensor at a predetermined timing. The above-mentioned external device also includes a video signal processing circuit, and the image signal for one frame read from the CCD image sensor is sent to the video signal processing circuit through the image signal line, and is appropriately processed there as a video signal. T
It is output to the V monitor device, whereby the endoscopic image is reproduced and displayed on the TV monitor device.

By the way, in recent years, not only is the electronic endoscope used not only in a dedicated examination room in a hospital, but also in the patient's room beside a bed, in an ambulance or in a disaster area. . Therefore, it is possible to unitize the above-mentioned external device into several types and select an external device of a predetermined type to use in combination with the electronic endoscope according to various usage conditions of the electronic endoscope. Proposed.

[0006] For example, when the electronic endoscope is used in a dedicated examination room in a hospital, a relatively large standard processing unit (so-called processor) is prepared as an external device. Since such a standard processing unit is used only in a dedicated examination room, convenience for carrying is not required.
It is possible to provide not only the video signal processing device and the light source device but also other devices such as a water supply device and an air supply device in the standard processing unit. Further, the video signal processing device has not only a function of reading an image signal from the CCD image sensor and appropriately processing it and then outputting it as a video signal, but also various other functions, for example, a filing function for capturing an endoscopic image as a still image. A function of printing the still image and a character display function of displaying character information such as a patient name and a doctor name on the TV monitor are also provided. Also,
Since the standard processing unit uses a commercial power source as a power source, it is possible to use a high-power illumination lamp in the light source device.

On the other hand, when the electronic endoscope is used in a room other than a dedicated examination room in a hospital, two unitized external devices, that is, a light source unit and a signal processing unit are prepared. Has a replaceable battery. With such a light source unit and a signal processing unit, the electronic endoscope can be used beside a bed in a patient's room, in an ambulance, or in a disaster area. Of course, in such a case, the electronic endoscope is provided with a light source unit connection port and a signal processing unit connection port for connecting the light source unit and the signal processing unit, respectively.

When such an electronic endoscope is used with the standard processing unit described above, the standard processing unit and the electronic endoscope are connected to each other via a connection cable. That is, one end of the connection cable is connected to the light source unit connection port terminal of the electronic endoscope, and the other end is connected to the standard processing unit. For such connection cables, CC
Not only the power supply line and various signal lines for connecting the D image sensor to the video signal processing device in the standard processing unit, but also the optical fiber bundle in the electronic endoscope and the light source device in the standard processing unit. A connecting optical fiber bundle for connection is also provided. When the standard processing unit is used, the function expansion unit is connected to the signal processing unit connection port, and the function expansion unit is provided with various expansion function switches and the like.

[0009]

By the way, after the electronic endoscope is used by one patient, the electronic endoscope must be thoroughly washed with a disinfecting solution. When the electronic endoscope is used in a dedicated examination room in a hospital, that is, when the electronic endoscope is used with a standard processing unit, the light source of the electronic endoscope is used for cleaning the electronic endoscope. The connection cable is removed from the unit connection port, and the light source unit connection port is sealed with a sealing cap, while the signal processing unit connection port is connected to the function expansion unit. That is, the electronic endoscope is washed with a disinfecting liquid with a sealing cap attached to the light source unit connection port and a function expansion unit connected to the signal processing unit connection port. On the other hand, when the electronic endoscope is used in a room other than the dedicated examination room in the hospital, the cleaning of the electronic endoscope is performed by the light source unit and the signal processing unit connected to the two connection ports. It will be.

Conventionally, a connector used for the above-mentioned connection port is composed of two connector parts, one connector part is provided with a pin type contact, and the other connector part is provided with a socket type contact for receiving each contact pin. Is provided, and both connector parts are locked to each other by the movable locking means after both contacts are connected to each other.

For example, as such a movable locking means, an inner threaded ring is loosely fitted in one connector portion, a threaded portion is formed in the other connector portion, and the inner threaded ring is screwed into the threaded portion. The type of clothes to wear is known. Further, as another movable lock means, a pair of guide slots is formed in the diameter direction of the loose fitting ring provided in one connector portion, and a pair of pins adapted to engage with the guide slots in the other connector portion. An element is provided, and while the pair of pin elements are engaged with the guide slot of the loose fitting ring, the loose fitting ring is rotated to pull the pair of pin elements to the end of the guide slot to lock both connector parts. There is also a known type.

When any type of locking means is movable, the movable portion (in the above-mentioned example, the inner threaded ring or the loose fitting ring) is accompanied by a minute gap, and such a gap portion is present. Another problem is that the disinfectant solution is not sufficiently distributed when cleaning the electronic endoscope. Furthermore, when dirt or the like adheres to the gap portion, the dirt or the like is difficult to remove, and thus the gap portion can serve as a hotbed for bacterial growth. Needless to say, while cleaning the electronic endoscope,
The inside of the connection part of both connector parts needs to be completely sealed from the disinfectant solution.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector for use in an electronic endoscope such as that described above, which eliminates as much as possible a place that can serve as a hotbed for the growth of bacteria from the connection parts of both of them. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector capable of completely sealing the inside of the connection part of the connector part from the disinfecting solution during cleaning of the mirror.

[0014]

A connector structure according to the present invention is for connecting an electronic endoscope to an external device, and includes a first connecting portion provided on the electronic endoscope side and an external device side. And a second connection portion provided on the. Electrical contact elements arranged in a mirror image relationship with each other are arranged on the connection end faces of both the first and second connection parts, and each of the first and second connection parts is orthogonal to the connection end face. A pivot axis is defined. Each of the first and second connecting portions is provided with first and second guide means, and the first and second guide means face each other on the connecting end faces of both the first and second connecting portions. The first and second connecting portions are engageable with each other in a state in which they are aligned with each other and the rotation axes of both of them are substantially aligned with each other, and the rotation axes of the first and second connection portions are provided over a predetermined angle range. A guide mechanism is formed to allow relative rotational movement around the. When one of the first and second connecting portions is rotated relative to the other to a terminal position within a predetermined angle range, the guide mechanism causes both of the first and second connecting portions to rotate. The connecting end faces are brought close to each other so that their two electrical contacts are aligned with each other and are in electrical contact with each other. A sealing element is provided on at least one of the connecting end faces of the first and second connecting portions so as to surround the electrical contact element, and one of the first and second connecting portions has a predetermined angle range with respect to the other. The sealing element is brought into sealing engagement with the connecting end face of the other connecting portion when rotated relative to the end position of the.

In the connector structure according to the present invention, a central bore for slidably accommodating a rigid light guide element for optical coupling may be formed at the center of each of the first and second connecting portions. In such a case, elastic spring means are provided in each central bore, by which each of the rigid light guide elements is partly elastically biased from the connecting end face of its corresponding connecting part. And the outer end face of the rigid light guide element is abutted against the elastic force of the elastic spring means to be brought into close contact when the connection of the first and second connecting portions is completed, and thus both ends are brought into close contact with each other. Good optical coupling is obtained between the rigid light guiding elements of the.

Further, one end portion of the flexible optical fiber bundle may be inserted and fixed in the respective central bores of the first and second connecting portions. In this case, the end surface of one end of the flexible optical fiber bundle is brought into contact with the inner end surface of the corresponding rigid light guide element, and one end of the flexible optical fiber bundle is completed when the connection of the first and second connecting portions is completed. The end face of the section is brought into close contact with the inner end face of the rigid light guide element by elastic deformation of the flexible optical fiber bundle, so that good optical coupling is obtained between both end faces.

Preferably, for the two electrical contact elements of the respective one of the first and second connecting parts which are used for connecting the power supply line, around the pivot axis of the corresponding connecting part. It is arranged at a predetermined angle, and more preferably, the separation angle of the two electrical contact elements for connecting the power lines is 180 °.
Other than Further, when the electric contact elements of the respective electric contact elements of the first and second connection portions which are used for signal line connection are arranged along the circumferential direction, preferably the electric contact elements are arranged. The two electrical contact elements used for connecting the power supply lines are arranged outside the signal line connecting electrical contact elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the connector structure according to the invention, the electrical contact element on the side of the first connection is formed as a spherical contact element and the electrical contact element on the side of the second connection is a planar contact element. Formed as. In this case, the first connection part is formed with a bore for movably accommodating each of the spherical contact elements, and elastic spring means is provided in each bore, and the elastic spring means causes the corresponding spherical contact element to move. It is made to partially project from the connection end surface of the first connection portion while being elastically biased. Thus, upon completion of the connection of the first and second connection, each spherical contact element is brought into elastic contact with its corresponding planar contact element. The planar connector element is preferably circular.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope (electronic scope) in which a connector according to the present invention is used is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The electronic endoscope 10 includes an operation unit 10 having a rigid structure.
A and a flexible body insertion portion 10B integrated with the operation portion 10A. The body insertion part 1 is provided in the operation part 10A.
A manual handle (not shown) and various switches for remotely controlling the movement of the tip portion of OB are provided. Note that in FIG. 1, the electronic endoscope 10 body insertion portion 10B is partially illustrated.

In FIG. 1, in addition to the electronic endoscope 10, a light source unit 12, a signal processing unit 14, and a connection cable 16 are provided.
And the function expansion unit 18 is shown. Light source unit 1
2 and the signal processing unit 14 are used when the electronic endoscope 10 is used outside a dedicated examination room in a hospital, and the connection cable 16 and the function expansion unit 18 are used in the electronic endoscope 1.
It is used when 0 is used in a dedicated examination room in a hospital.

The operation portion 10A of the electronic endoscope 10 has a light source unit connection port 20 and a signal processing unit connection port 22.
Is provided and the electronic endoscope 10 is used in a place other than a dedicated examination room in a hospital, that is, when the electronic endoscope 10 is used, for example, near the bed of a patient's room, in an ambulance or in a disaster area. The light source unit 1 is connected to the light source unit connection port 20.
2 is connected, and the signal processing unit 14 is connected to the signal processing unit connection port 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the light source unit 12 and the signal processing unit 14 is shown, in which the light source unit 12 and the signal processing unit 1 are shown.
4 is a connection port 2 for the light source unit of the electronic endoscope 10
0 and the signal processing unit connection port 22 are connected. The connection of the light source unit 12 to the light source unit connection port 20 and the connection of the signal processing unit to the signal processing unit connection port 22 are performed by the connector configured according to the present invention, as described later.

In FIG. 2, the electronic endoscope 10 is also shown in the form of a block diagram, and the optical fiber bundle 24 is inserted therein. The distal end of the optical fiber bundle 24 has a body insertion portion 10
The illumination light distribution lens 26 mounted on the front end surface of B is optically coupled, and its proximal end is connected to the light source unit connection port 20.
Are optically connected to the light source unit 12. That is, FIG.
2, the light source unit 12 includes a white light source lamp 12A such as a halogen lamp, and the proximal end of the optical fiber bundle 24 is optically connected to the white light source 12A by a connector configured according to the present invention as described later. Connected to. Thus, when the white light source lamp 12A is turned on, white light is introduced from the white light source lamp 12A to the proximal end face of the optical fiber bundle 24, and the white light is passed from the distal end face of the optical fiber bundle 24 through the illumination distribution lens 26. The light is emitted, and the front of the body insertion portion 10B of the electronic endoscope 10 is illuminated thereby.

The light source unit 12 is a white light source lamp 12
In addition to A, a power supply circuit 12B, a battery 12C, and a power switch 12D are provided. When the power switch 12D is turned on, the white light source lamp 12A is powered by the battery 12C via the power supply circuit 12B and is turned on. The power switch 12D is turned on / off by a rotary knob 1 rotatably mounted on one end of the outer case of the light source unit 12.
It is performed by rotating 2E (FIG. 1). That is, the rotary knob 12E is rotatable between the off position and the on position, and when the rotary knob 12E is rotated from the off position to the on position, the power switch 12D is turned on.

A CCD image sensor 28 is provided in the tip of the body insertion portion 10B of the electronic endoscope 10.
The image sensor 28 is combined with an imaging lens 30 mounted on the tip surface of the body inserting section 10B. Electronic endoscope 10
When the body insertion portion 10B is inserted into the patient's body and the front of the body insertion portion 10B is illuminated with illumination light, the subject is imaged as an endoscopic image on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 28 by the imaging lens 30. At this time, the endoscopic image is C
The CD image sensor 28 photoelectrically converts an image signal for one frame.

As shown in FIG. 2, the signal processing unit 14
Is the timing controller 14A and the CCD drive circuit 1
4B, a signal processing circuit 14C, and an interface circuit 14D. When the signal processing unit 14 is connected to the signal processing unit connection port, the CCD drive circuit 14
B is the CCD image sensor 2 by the CCD drive line 32.
8 and the signal processing circuit 14C is connected via the image signal line 34. Timing controller 1
The 4A has a built-in microcomputer and outputs control timing pulses of various frequencies.

For example, from the timing controller 14A, a series of control timing pulses of a predetermined frequency are sent to the CCD.
An image read signal is output from the CCD drive circuit 14B to the CCD image pickup sensor 28 through the CCD drive signal line 32 in accordance with the control timing pulse of the CCD image pickup sensor 28.
From, the image signals for one frame are sequentially read. C
The image signal for one frame read from the CD image sensor 28 is passed through the image signal line 34 to the signal processing circuit 14
Sent to C. Note that various clock pulse signals are included in the image read signal, but in FIG. 1, the signal line of these clock pulses is the only CCD drive signal line 3
It is shown as 2.

Further, the image processing control clock pulse is sent from the timing controller 14A in synchronization with the reading of the image signal from the CCD image sensor 28 into the signal processing circuit 14C.
Is output to the interface circuit 14D as a video signal after the image signal for one frame is appropriately processed by the signal processing circuit 14C in accordance with the image processing control clock pulse.

A video signal connector 14E (FIG. 1) is provided outside the signal processing circuit 14, and one end of a video signal cable 36 is connected to the video signal connector 14E as shown in FIG. It is connected to the TV monitor 38. In short, the video signal output from the interface circuit 14D is sent to the TV monitor 38 via the video signal connector 14E and the video signal cable 36, and an endoscopic image is reproduced on the display screen of the TV monitor 38 based on the video signal. Is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the light source unit 12 and the signal processing unit 14 are connected to the connection ports 20 and 22, respectively, the power source circuit 12B of the light source unit 12 and the signal processing circuit 14C of the signal processing unit 14 are connected to each other. The brightness of the endoscope image display screen of the TV monitor 38 is maintained at a constant level by being connected to each other.

Note that maintaining the brightness of the endoscopic image display screen of the TV monitor 38 at a constant level is a well-known technique generally called automatic light control.
The signal processing circuit 14C of the signal processing unit 14 includes a CC
A luminance value detection circuit for detecting an average luminance value of the image signal for one frame read from the D image sensor 28 is included,
The average brightness value obtained there is compared with the reference brightness value, and the comparison value is sent to the power supply circuit 12B of the light source unit 12 as digital data having a predetermined number of bits.
Controls the light emission intensity of the white light source lamp 12A according to the comparison value, whereby the brightness of the endoscope image display screen of the TV monitor 38 is maintained constant.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 1
2 and the signal processing unit 14 are connected to the connection ports 20 and 22, respectively, the battery 12C of the light source unit 12 is connected to a power supply circuit (not shown) in the signal processing unit 14 via a power supply line, Various circuit elements in 14 (14A, 14B, 14C,
14D) is fed from the power supply circuit. Of course, the signal processing unit 14 may include a replaceable battery, in which case the battery 12C of the light source unit 12 will be used.
Will be used only for the white light source lamp 12. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the CCD image sensor 28 is provided between the CCD image sensor 28 and the signal processing unit 14.
Is also provided, and the CCD image sensor 28 is supplied with power via the power supply line.

In order to connect the light source unit 12 to the light source unit connection port 20, a connector constructed according to the present invention is used, and this connector is connected to the first connection portion 40 provided in the light source unit connection port 20. , And a second connecting portion 42 provided on the light source unit 12 side, and these first and second connecting portions 40 and 42 are connected to each other in a manner described in detail later.

On the other hand, in order to connect the signal processing unit 14 to the signal processing unit connection port 22, a connector constructed according to the present invention is used, and this connector is the first connector provided in the signal processing unit connection port 22. Connection part 4
4 and a second connection portion 46 provided on the signal processing unit 14 side, and these first and second connection portions 44 and 46 are also connected to each other in a manner described in detail later.

When the electronic endoscope 10 is used in a dedicated examination room in a hospital, one end of a connection cable 16 is connected to the light source unit connection port 20. For such connection, a connection portion 48 is provided at one end of the connection cable 16, and the connection portion 48 is connected to the first connection portion 40 provided at the light source unit connection port 20. Became the second
Function as a connection part of. The other end of the connection cable 16 is connected to a relatively large standard processing unit (not shown), and a connector 50 is provided at the other end of the connection cable 16 for such connection, and the connector 50 is a standard processing unit. It is designed to be connected to a socket provided on the unit side.

Since the structure of the standard processing unit itself as described above is well known in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here, but the points particularly related to the present invention will be described below.

First, the optical fiber bundle is inserted into the connection cable 16, and the first light source unit connection port 20 side is provided.
The second connection port 48 on the side of the connection cable 16 to the connection portion 40 of the
When the optical fiber bundle 24 is connected, one end of the optical fiber bundle is optically connected to the optical fiber bundle 24 in the electronic endoscope 10. An optical guide rod 52 made of core-clad glass is connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle in the connection cable 16, and the optical guide rod 52 is connected to the connection cable 16 as shown in FIG.
From the connector 50 on the other end side of the. When the connector 50 is connected to the socket on the standard processing unit side, the light guide rod 52 is optically connected to the light source device in the standard processing unit.

A large number of signal lines, power lines, etc. are inserted into the connection cable 16, and these lines are connected to the first connection portion 40 on the light source unit connection port 20 side and the second connection line on the connection cable 16 side. When the connection port 48 is connected C
It is connected to the CD image sensor 28. When the connection cable 16 is connected to the socket on the standard processing unit side, the signal line, the power supply line, etc. in the connection cable 16 are connected to the video signal processing device in the standard processing unit via the electrical connection portion 54. In short, the CCD image sensor 28 is connected to the video signal processing device in the standard processing unit via a signal line, a power supply line or the like inserted in the connection cable 16.

On the other hand, when the electronic endoscope 10 is used in a dedicated examination room in a hospital, that is, the light source unit connection port 20.
When one end of the connection cable 16 is connected to the signal processing unit side connection port 22, the function expansion unit 18 is connected, and for such connection, the function expansion unit 18 is connected.
Is provided with a connection portion 56, and this connection portion 56 functions as a second connection portion adapted to be connected to the first connection portion 40 provided in the signal processing unit connection port 22.
The function expansion unit 18 has various functions obtained when the electronic endoscope 10 is used together with a standard processing unit, for example, a filing function for capturing an endoscope image as a still image, a function for printing the still image, and a TV monitor. The apparatus is provided with various switches related to a character display function for displaying character information such as a patient name and a doctor name, and when any of these switches is operated, the signal thereof is transmitted through the connection cable 16 to the standard processing unit. Is sent to the controller of the video signal processing device, so that the video signal processing device performs processing according to the signal.

In short, the first connecting portion 40 of the electronic endoscope 10 on the side of the power source unit connecting port 20 is connected to the second connecting portion 42 of the light source unit 12 and the second connecting portion 48 of the connecting cable 16. In the same manner, the first connection portion 44 on the signal processing unit connection port 22 side is configured to handle both connections of the signal processing unit 14, and the second connection portion 46 of the signal processing unit 14 and the second connection portion of the function expansion unit 18. It is configured to handle both connections with the connection 56.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first connecting portion 40 provided in the light source unit connecting port 20 is shown as a front view.
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first connecting portion 40 comprises an outer annular member 58 and an inner member 60 housed in the outer annular member 58. Outer annular member 58
Is formed of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum, and is appropriately fixed to the operating portion 10A of the electronic endoscope 10. The inner member 60 is formed of a suitable insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

As best shown in FIG. 4, an annular shoulder portion 62 is formed on the end surface side of the outer annular member 58, and a pair of pin elements 64 are integrally formed in the annular shoulder portion 62 in the diameter direction. It An annular seal groove 66 having a V-shaped cross section is formed on the end surface of the annular shoulder portion 62.

As shown in FIG. 4, a central bore 68 is formed in the inner member 60, and the central bore 68 is formed so that its central axis in the longitudinal direction coincides with the central axis of the outer annular member 58. The proximal end side of the optical fiber bundle 24 (FIG. 2) is inserted through the central bore 68 and fixed appropriately. A first bulge portion 70 and a second bulge portion 72 are formed on the open end surface side of the central bore 68.

A proximal end portion of the optical fiber bundle 24 is partially projected from the first bulging portion 72, and a compression coil spring 74 is arranged around the projected proximal end portion. A rod-shaped light guide element 76 formed of optical glass is slidably accommodated in the first bulging portion 70, and a flange 78 is fixed around the light guide element 76. The flange 78 is slidably accommodated in the second bulging portion 72,
An annular stop ring 80 is attached and fixed to the open end surface of the second bulging portion 72.

As shown in FIG. 4, the compression coil spring 74 is constrained between the inner shoulder of the first bulge 70 and the inner peripheral end surface of the light guide element 76, and thus the compression coil spring 7 is provided.
By the action of 4, the light guide element 76 moves the first bulge portion 70.
You will receive elastic force that is pushed out from,
However, since the flange 78 of the light guide element 76 is brought into contact with the annular stop ring 80, the extrusion of the light guide element 76 from the first bulge portion 70 is prevented. As is apparent from FIG. 4, when the flange 78 of the light guide element 76 is in contact with the annular stop ring 80, the tip of the light guide element 76 is slightly projected from the end surface of the inner member 60.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, eight spherical contact elements 82 are provided on the connecting end surface of the inner member 60.
Are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the central axis of the light guide element 76, and two spherical contact elements 84 are arranged outside the eight spherical contact elements 82. Around the central axis of the light guide element 76, they are separated from each other by an angle of 90 °.
Each spherical contact element (82, 84) is movably mounted within a bore formed in the inner member 60, and a portion of the spherical contact element (82, 84) is projected and exposed from the connecting end surface of the inner member 60.

In particular, a flanged sleeve 86 as shown in FIG. 5 is used as a fastener for mounting each spherical contact element (82, 84) as described above. The inner diameter of the flanged sleeve 86 is somewhat larger than the diameter of each spherical contact element (82, 84), but the inner diameter is narrowed on its flange side and its opening diameter is each spherical contact element (82, 84). ), And thus the spherical contact elements (82, 84) housed in the flanged sleeve 86 cannot escape from the flange-side opening.

Referring to FIG. 6, the mounting of the spherical contact elements (82, 84) is shown enlarged, in which the bore formed in the inner member 60 is designated by the reference numeral 88. Inner diameter of bore 88 is sleeve 8 with flange
6 which is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the spherical contact element (82, 8) after inserting the compression coil spring 90 into the bore 88.
4) to accommodate spherical contact elements (82, 84) by screwing in flanged sleeve 86.
Is movably mounted within bore 88. The spherical contact element (82, 84) is elastically biased towards the flange side opening of the flanged sleeve 86 by the action of the compression coil spring 90, but its opening diameter is smaller than that of the spherical contact element (82, 84). Due to its rather small size, the spherical contact element (82, 84) does not slip out of the flange side opening and the spherical contact element (82, 8)
Part of 4) is exposed in a protruding state. Each spherical contact (82, 84) is made of a suitable metal as a conductor, and the compression coil spring 90 is also made of a suitable metal.

In the present embodiment, the inner member 60 is embedded with ten conductor elements 92 formed of a suitable metal material, and each conductor element 92 includes a disc-shaped head portion and the disc-shaped head portion. And an extending stem portion. Eight of the ten conductor elements 92 are spherical contact elements 8
The two remaining conductor elements 92 are aligned with the bores 88 housing the two, and the remaining two conductor elements 92 house the spherical contact elements 84.
Aligned with 8. The disk-shaped head of each conductor element 92 forms the bottom of its corresponding bore, against which one end of the compression coil spring 90 abuts. In short, each of the spherical contact elements (82, 84) is brought into electrical communication with the respective conductor element 92 via its corresponding compression coil spring 90.

Referring to FIG. 7, the second connection portion 42 of the light source unit 12 is shown as a front view, and FIG.
A partial sectional view along the line VIII-VIII is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, as in the case of the first connecting portion 40, the second connecting portion 42 is also the outer annular member 94 and the inner member accommodated in the outer annular member 94. 96 and. The outer annular member 94 is made of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum or the like, and is properly fixed to the housing of the light source unit 12, and the inner member 96 is made of a suitable insulating material such as a synthetic resin material.

As best shown in FIG. 8, an annular protrusion 98 is formed on the end face side of the outer annular member 94, and the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 98 receives the annular shoulder 62 of the first connecting portion 40. It is sized to get. A pair of slits 100 are formed in the annular protrusion 98 in the diametrical direction, and as shown in FIG. 9, a guide groove 102 extends from each slit 100 along the circumferential direction of the annular protrusion 98 and gradually away from the end face thereof. Thus, the semi-circular arc portion 104 is formed on the terminal side thereof. The width of each slit 100 and the width of the guide groove 102 are the pin element 6 on the first connecting portion 40 side.
4 and the radius of the semi-circular arc portion 104 is somewhat larger than the radius of the pin element 64.

When connecting the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42, first, the pair of pin elements 64 on the side of the first connecting portion 40 are put into the pair of slits 100, and at this time, The annular shoulder 62 of the first connecting portion 40 has an annular protrusion 98.
It is in a state of being accepted within. Then, each pin element 6
The first and second connecting portions 40 and 42 are relatively rotated so that the reference numeral 4 moves along the corresponding guide groove 102 toward the semi-circular arc portion 104. At this time, the guide groove 10
Since 2 extends obliquely so as to be gradually separated from the end surface of the annular protrusion 98, the end surfaces of the first and second connecting portions 40 and 42 are attracted to each other. When each pin element 64 reaches the semi-circular arc portion 104 on the terminating side of the corresponding guide groove 102, the connection between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 is completed, and each pin element 64 is semi-circular arc portion. By engaging with 104, the connection between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 is locked.

In summary, the pin element 64 on the side of the first connecting part 40 forms the first guide means, while the second connecting part 4
2 side slit 100, guide groove 102 and semi-circular arc portion 1
04 forms a second guide means, these first and second guide means
The guide means constitutes a guide mechanism for connecting the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 to each other.

On the end surface of the outer annular member 94, the annular protrusion 9 is formed.
An annular groove having a semicircular cross section is formed along the inner side of 8, and an O-ring seal 106 is mounted therein. The diameter of the O-ring seal 106 is equal to the diameter of the V-shaped seal groove 66 having a cross section on the first connection portion 40 side.

As shown in FIG. 8, a central bore 108 is formed in the inner member 96, and the central bore 108 is formed such that its central axis in the longitudinal direction coincides with the central axis of the outer annular member 94. Optical fiber bundle 1 in the central bore 108
One end side of 10 is inserted and fixed appropriately, and the other end side is optically connected to the white light source lamp 12A of the light source unit 12. No. 1 on the open end side of the central bore 108
The expanded diameter portion 112 and the second expanded diameter portion 114 are formed.

The first bulging portion 112 has an optical fiber bundle 11
One end of 0 is partially projected, and a compression coil spring 116 is arranged around the projected one end. A rod-shaped light guide element 118 made of optical glass is slidably accommodated in the first bulging portion 112, and a flange 120 is fixed around the light guide element 118. The flange 120 is slidably accommodated in the second bulging portion 114, and an annular stop ring 122 is attached and fixed to the open end surface of the second bulging portion 114.

As shown in FIG. 8, the compression coil spring 116.
Is the inner shoulder of the first bulge 112 and the light guide element 118.
Is constrained between the inner peripheral end surface of the light guide element 118, and thus the action of the compression coil spring 116 causes the light guide element 118 to undergo elastic force such that it is pushed out of the first bulge 112, but Flange 12 of element 118
Since 0 is brought into contact with the annular stop ring 122, the first
Extrusion of the light guide element 118 from the bulge 112 is prevented. As is apparent from FIG. 8, when the flange 120 of the light guide element 118 is in contact with the annular stop ring 122, the tip of the light guide element 118 is slightly projected from the connection end surface of the inner member 96.

In summary, both the light guide element 76 on the first connection 40 side and the light guide element 118 on the second connection 42 side have central bores 68 and 1 in their respective inner members 60 and 96.
It is mounted in 08 in substantially the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 7, on the connection end surface of the inner member 96, eight circular planar contact elements 124 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the central axis of the light guide element 118, and further two circular shapes. The planar contact element 126 is
Located outside the two circular planar contact elements 124,
The two circular contact elements 126 are light guide elements 1
Around the central axis of 18, they are separated from each other by an angle of 90 °.

In this embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 8, each circular planar contact element (124, 126) is provided by a conductor element 128 embedded in the inner member 96, the conductor elements 128 being made of a suitable metallic material. Formed from. Each conductor element 128 is composed of a disc-shaped head portion and a stem portion extending from the disc-shaped head portion, and regarding the embedding of the conductor element 128 in the inner member 96, the circular head portion is the connecting end surface of the inner member 96. It is done to be exposed. In short, each circular planar contact element (124, 126) is provided by the exposed top surface of the head portion of an individual conductor element 128.

As is clear from the comparison between FIGS. 3 and 7,
Eight spherical contact elements 82 on the side of the first connection 40
And the arrangement of the two spherical contact elements 84 are mirror images of the arrangement of the eight circular contact elements 124 and the two circular contact elements 126 on the side of the second connection 42. On the other hand, each of the first and second connecting portions 40 and 42 is defined with a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the connection end surface, and this rotation axis is the rod-shaped light guide element (76, 118) in this embodiment. ) Is aligned with the central axis.

Thus, the connection end surfaces of the first connection portion 40 and the second connection portion 42 are butted so that the pair of pin elements 64 on the side of the first connection portion 40 enter the pair of slits 100. And then the first and second connection parts 4
By rotating 0 and 42 relative to each other, when each pin element 64 is moved to and engaged with the semi-circular arc portion 104 through the corresponding guide groove 102, the pin elements 64 on the side of the first connecting portion 40 Each of the two spherical contact elements 82 is in electrical contact with the corresponding one of the eight circular planar contact elements 124 on the side of the second connection 42 and the two spherical contacts on the side of the first connection 40. The elements 84 will each be electrically connected to the two circular planar contact elements 126 on the side of the second connection 42.

Referring to FIG. 10, a connection state of the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 is shown as a sectional view,
As is clear from the figure, each spherical contact element (8
2, 84) is elastically biased by the elastic spring force of the compression coil spring 90 with respect to its corresponding circular planar contact element (124, 126), so that electrical contact between the two contacts is ensured. .

As is apparent from FIG. 10, when the connection between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 is completed, the end surfaces of the light guide elements 76 and 118 are brought into contact with each other, Therefore, both light guide elements 76 and 11
8 are both pushed into their respective first bulges 70 and 112. As mentioned above, each light guide element (76,
118) is made rigid because it is made of optical glass, but the optical fiber bundles 24 and 110 are both flexible and capable of some elastic deformation. Therefore, when each light guide element (76, 118) is pushed into its first bulge (70, 112), the end of the corresponding optical fiber bundle (24, 110) undergoes some elastic deformation. , For which reason its end face has a light guide element (76, 11
8) The inner end face of 8) is elastically pressed and brought into intimate contact, and good optical coupling is established therebetween. on the other hand,
The end faces of the light guide elements 76 and 118 are also brought into close contact with each other due to the elastic spring force of the compression coil springs (74, 116), between which a good optical coupling is established. In essence, the light emitted from the white light source lamp 12A of the light source unit 12 has the optical fiber bundle 110 for the above-mentioned good optical coupling.
Can be efficiently transmitted to the optical fiber bundle 24.

Further, as is apparent from FIG. 10, when the connection between the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42 is completed, the O-ring seal 106 has a transverse cross section on the side of the first connecting portion 40. It is sealingly engaged in the V-shaped seal groove 66, so that the inner region of the O-ring seal 106, that is, the electrical and optical contact regions, is sealed.

Here, it should be noted that the eight spherical contacts 82 on the side of the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42.
The eight circular planar contact elements 124 on one side are both used for signal line connection, whereas the two spherical contacts 84 on the side of the first connection 40 and the second connection 4 are connected.
That is, the two circular planar contact elements 126 on the two sides are both used for power line connection. That is, the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 4 as described above.
During the connection operation with 2, each of the eight spherical contact elements 82 will be in electrical contact with the other circular planar contact element until it is connected with its corresponding circular planar contact element 124, but Until an electrical connection is established between each spherical contact element 82 and its corresponding circular planar contact element 124, the spherical contact element 84 and the circular planar contact element 126 used for power line connection can be connected to each other. It is not. Thus, it is possible to avoid an undesired situation in which a stray current flows through various signal lines in the electronic endoscope 10 during the connecting operation of the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 42.

It is also preferred that each of the two spherical contact elements 84 and the two circular planar contact elements 126 used for connecting the power supply lines is not arranged diametrically. This is because, as in the above-described embodiment, if the two spherical contact elements 84 are separated from each other about the central axis of the light guide element 76 by an angle of 90 °, then with respect to the first connection portion 40. This is because even if the second connecting portion 42 is connected at the reverse position rotated by 180 ° from the proper connecting position, the connection of the power supply line with the opposite polarity is avoided. Of course, in the embodiment described above, the two spherical contact elements 84 are spaced from each other about the central axis of the light guide element 78 by an angle of 90 °, but the spacing angle is 180 ° diametrically.
Other angles may be used, except for.

The first connection portion 44 provided in the signal processing unit connection port 22 is constructed in the same manner as the first connection portion 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the second connection portion of the signal processing unit 14 is also provided. The connecting portion 46 of is configured in the same manner as the second connecting portion 40 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but in the case of the signal processing unit 14, the connection of the optical fiber bundle is unnecessary, The configuration for connecting the optical fiber bundle is the first
And not included in the second connecting portions 44 and 46. Further, on the light source unit 12 side, the number of each of the spherical contact element 82 and the circular planar contact element 126 used for signal line connection is eight, but the contact element on the signal processing unit 14 side is The number of is determined by the specifications of the electronic endoscope 10. Of course, on the signal processing unit 14 side, the spherical contact element (84) and the circular planar contact element (126) used for connecting the power supply line are arranged in the same manner as on the light source unit 12 side.

The second connecting portion 4 of the connecting cable 16
8 has substantially the same structure as the second connecting portion 42 of the light source unit 12, and the second connecting portion 42 of the function expansion unit 18
The connection portion 56 of the second connection portion 4 of the signal processing unit 14 is
6 has substantially the same configuration.

When the second connection portion 42 of the light source unit 12 is connected to the first connection portion 40 of the light source unit connection port 20, all of the spherical contact elements 82 used for signal line connection are connected. The eight spherical contact elements 82 are not used, but are used only when the second connection portion 48 of the connection cable 16 is connected to the first connection portion 40 of the light source unit connection port 20. Things are also included. In short, the eight spherical contact elements 82 on the side of the first connection part 40 are selectively utilized depending on the second connection parts (42, 48) connected thereto. The same applies to the first connection portion 44 provided in the signal processing unit connection port 22, and the spherical contact element on the side of the first connection portion 44 is connected to the second connection portion 44. It is selectively used according to the connection part (46, 56).

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a modification of the block diagram shown in FIG. Note that, in FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as the components shown in FIG. 2.

As is apparent from FIG. 11, the light source unit 12 does not necessarily include only the components related to the white light source lamp 12A, and if necessary,
It is also possible to move some of the components of the signal processing unit 14 to the light source unit 12 side. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the timing controller 14A and the CCD drive circuit 1
4B is moved from the signal processing unit 14 side to the light source unit 12 side. By doing so, the number of spherical contact elements to be arranged on the first connection member 40 on the light source unit connection port 20 side, and the signal processing unit connection port 2
The number of spherical contact elements to be arranged on the first connection portion 44 on the second side can be adjusted appropriately.

[0076]

As is apparent from the above description, in the connector structure according to the present invention, in order to connect and lock the light source unit and the signal processing unit with respect to the operating portion of the electronic endoscope, the conventional structure has been adopted. No moving parts, such as the required inner threaded ring or loose fitting ring, are required. Therefore, the connector structure according to the present invention eliminates minute gaps that may become a hotbed for bacterial growth, and effectively cleans the electronic endoscope with a disinfectant solution. Further, since the connection area between the light source unit and the signal processing unit is reliably sealed from the disinfecting solution, problems such as short circuit can be surely eliminated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a light source unit, a signal processing unit, a connection cable, and a function expansion unit which are selectively connected thereto for use with an electronic endoscope using a connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope and a light source unit and a signal processing unit connected thereto.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first connection portion provided at a connection port for a light source unit of an electronic endoscope.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG.

5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a flanged sleeve used in the first connection portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, showing a usage state of the flanged sleeve shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a second connection portion of the light source unit shown in FIG.

8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG.

9 is a partial side view of the second connecting portion shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first connecting portion shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the second connecting portion shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are connected to each other.

11 is a block diagram similar to the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, showing a modification of the block diagram shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

10 electronic scope 12 Light source unit 14 Signal processing unit 16 connection cable 18 Function expansion unit 20 Light source unit connection port 22 Connection port for signal processing unit 24 optical fiber bundle 28 CCD image sensor 40 First connection 42 Second connection 58 Outer annular member 60 Inner member 62 annular shoulder 64-pin element 74 Compression coil spring 76 Light guide element 82 ・ 84 Spherical contact element 90 compression coil spring 92 Conductor element 94 Outer annular member 96 Inner member 98 Annular protrusion 100 slits 102 guide groove 104 Half arc 106 O-ring seal 124/126 circular planar contact element 128 conductor elements

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 4C061 AA00 BB00 DD00 FF07 GG04                       JJ13                 5E087 EE11 EE13 FF07 GG14 HH01                       LL02 LL12 PP01 QQ06 RR31

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A connector structure for connecting an electronic endoscope to an external device, wherein a first connection portion provided on the electronic endoscope side and a second connection provided on the external device side. A connector structure comprising a first part and a second part, and electrical contact elements arranged in a mirror image relationship with each other are provided on both connection end faces of the first and second connection parts, respectively. Is defined with a rotation axis orthogonal to the connection end face thereof, and the first and second connection portions have first and second rotation axes, respectively.
Guide means are provided, and the first and second guide means face each other with their connecting end faces of the first and second connecting portions facing each other, and substantially have their rotation axes aligned with each other. Mechanism that is engageable with each other and that allows the first and second connecting portions to undergo relative rotational movement about their rotational axes over a predetermined angular range from the engageable position. And when one of the first and second connecting portions is relatively rotated with respect to the other to the end position of the predetermined angle range, the guide mechanism causes the first and second connecting portions to rotate. At least one of the first and second connection portions is configured such that both connection end surfaces of the second connection portion are brought close to each other and the electric contacts of the two connection portions are aligned with each other and electrically contact with each other. On the connection end face of A sealing element surrounding the electrical contact element is provided, and when one of the first and second connecting portions is rotated relative to the other to the end position of the predetermined angular range, A connector structure, wherein the sealing element is sealingly engaged with a connecting end surface of the other connecting portion. 2. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein a central bore for slidably accommodating a rigid light guide element for optical coupling is formed at the center of each of the first and second connecting portions. Elastic spring means are provided in each central bore, by which each of the rigid light guide elements partially projects in a resiliently biased state from the connecting end face of its corresponding connecting part. And the first and second
The connector structure, wherein the outer end surface of the rigid light guide element is brought into contact with and brought into close contact with the elastic force of the elastic spring means upon completion of connection of the connection portion. 3. The connector structure according to claim 2, wherein one end of the flexible optical fiber bundle is inserted and fixed in the central bore of each of the first and second connecting portions, The end face of the one end is brought into contact with the inner end face of the corresponding rigid light guide element, and when the connection of the first and second connecting parts is completed, the end face of the one end of the flexible optical fiber bundle is made flexible. A connector structure characterized by being brought into close contact with an inner end surface of the rigid light guide element by elastic deformation of an optical fiber bundle. 4. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the connector structure is used for connecting a power line of the respective electrical contact elements of the first and second connecting portions. A connector structure in which two electrical contact elements are arranged at a predetermined angle around a rotation axis of the corresponding connection portion. 5. The connector structure according to claim 4, wherein the two power line connecting electrical contact elements have a separation angle other than 180 °. 6. The connector structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the electrical contact element of each of the electrical contact elements of the first and second connections is used for signal line connection. Contact elements are arranged along the circumferential direction, and two electric contact elements of the electric contact elements, which are used for connecting power lines, are arranged outside the signal line connecting electric contact elements. A connector structure characterized in that 7. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contact element on the side of the first connecting portion is formed as a spherical contact element, and the electrical contact element on the side of the second connecting portion is formed. Electrical contact elements are formed as planar contact elements, bores are formed in the first connection for movably receiving each of the spherical contact elements, and elastic spring means are provided in each bore. The elastic spring means causes the corresponding spherical contact element to partially protrude from the connection end surface of the first connection portion in a state of being elastically biased, so that the connection between the first and second connection portions is completed. A connector structure, wherein each of said spherical contact elements is sometimes brought into elastic contact with its corresponding planar contact element. 8. The connector structure according to claim 7, wherein the planar connector element is circular.